Hit comedy Gavin & Stacey is returning to BBC One for a one-off festive special.

Gavin & Stacey charted the love story of the two main characters who were both from different parts of the UK; Essex in England and Barry in Wales respectively. The Beeb sitcom – which is often rerun on UKTV Gold – started with the outset of their relationship as they got to know each other over the phone before meeting up for the first time. It subsequently followed the key moments in their relationship, and the merging of their quirky families.

The series secondarily explored the less than straight-forward relationship between the couple’s friends, Smithy (Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones) who had a baby together.

“Over the last ten years we’ve talked a lot about Gavin and Stacey – where they might be today and what their lives might look like. And so in secret we took the plunge and wrote this one hour special. We’ve loved revisiting Barry and Essex again and bringing the characters back together has been a joy. We’re so excited to get the chance to work with our fabulous cast and crew once more and to give fans of the show a festive treat this Christmas. Thank you BBC for helping to make this happen.” – Ruth Jones & James Corden, who created the series

Gavin & Stacey ran for a total of 20 episodes, broadcast from 13 May 2007 to 1 January 2010, comprising three series and two Christmas specials. The first two series were aired on BBC Three before the Beeb, having identified the show’s success, moved the show to BBC One with the 2008 Christmas special.

The show’s 2010 New Year’s Day finale had record ratings for the series with 10.25m viewers.

“Everyone at the BBC is hugely excited to be welcoming back Gavin and Stacey to BBC One this Christmas. We can’t wait to see what’s happened to everyone over the last nine years, and what’s next for one of the nation’s favourite comedy families.” – Charlotte Moore, BBC Director of Content

This new hour-long special is a Fulwell 73, Tidy Productions and Baby Cow Production for BBC One.